James Wolfer, assistant professor of computer science at IU South Bend, received two honors this spring. First, he was invited to visit South Africa in August as a member of the People to People Ambassador Programs' Computer Science and Engineering Delegation.

The second honor was presented in March at the International Conference on Engineering and Computer Education in Brazil. Wolfer received a plaque in "recognition of extraordinary achievements and contributions to the fields of engineering and computer education world wide."

Both honors were unexpected. He said he was called from the audience at the conference and given the award. He has presented a number of papers on robots and computers.

As for the trip to South Africa, “I received a letter in January about the trip. It was out of the blue. I didn’t ask how I got nominated,” he said.

The People to People International is a nonpolitical private sector organization dedicated to promoting international understanding and friendships through educational, cultural and humanitarian activities involving exchanges of ideas. The organization was founded in 1956 by President Dwight Eisenhower.

The delegation of professionals specializing in computer science and engineering was selected to participate in the nine-day program that will focus on professionalism, resources, education, ethics and opportunities.

“The real goal is to educate the people on the potential opportunities and to build on relationships,” Wolfer said.